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Winterville #3
Leave Me Breathless
She’s his best friend’s little sister. Completely off-limits. And now she’s moving in with him…
When Gabe Winter’s best friend calls with an unusual request – give his broken-hearted little sister a roof over her head for a few months – he readily accepts.
But he doesn’t expect Nicole to be quite so enticing. Or for her to bring out all the feelings in him. Feelings he thought he’d buried long ago, beneath his easy-going façade and womanizing reputation.
But now they’re spending late nights watching movies together, snuggled beneath the blankets with popcorn in their hands. And there's inches between her lips and his.
It’s wrong but it’s also inevitable. He’s falling for the one woman he shouldn’t want.
He’s in over his head, but drowning never felt so good.
When Gabe Winter’s best friend calls with an unusual request – give his broken-hearted little sister a roof over her head for a few months – he readily accepts.
But he doesn’t expect Nicole to be quite so enticing. Or for her to bring out all the feelings in him. Feelings he thought he’d buried long ago, beneath his easy-going façade and womanizing reputation.
But now they’re spending late nights watching movies together, snuggled beneath the blankets with popcorn in their hands. And there's inches between her lips and his.
It’s wrong but it’s also inevitable. He’s falling for the one woman he shouldn’t want.
He’s in over his head, but drowning never felt so good.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2022
1136 people are currently reading
6238 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Elks
72 books2,251 followersCarrie Elks is an international bestselling author of traditionally-published and self-published novels. Her books are sweet yet sexy contemporary small town romance stories. You can find her in all these places:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
February 26, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
“Don’t make me call your mama. Because you know I will.” “C’mon now. There’s no need to do that,” Kyle mumbled. The twenty-something, muscled man looked terrified at the thought of his mom being called. “I’m just being friendly.”
“Please tell me this won’t hurt,” Dolores said, catching her hand as she walked into the studio. “The last time I exercised Ronald Reagan was in the White House.”
Oh no. She wanted to die. Or at least disappear for a very long, Jimmy Hoffa amount of time.
My Review:
This was an enjoyable and lively read full of amusing humor, insightful and witty observations, and frequent family meddling - which was both good and bad for the main protagonists. The storylines were crisply written, entertaining, engaging, and easy to fall into. The Winterville characters were an enticing, fun, and feisty bunch with plenty of sass and snappy banter. I adored the main characters’ connection and their Netflix binges and discussions of porn, Matt Damon’s abs, and The Notebook. I look forward to more Winterville escapades and am itchy with curiosity about Alaska’s mysterious misadventure as a child, which is hopefully being cleared up in the next installment.
“Don’t make me call your mama. Because you know I will.” “C’mon now. There’s no need to do that,” Kyle mumbled. The twenty-something, muscled man looked terrified at the thought of his mom being called. “I’m just being friendly.”
“Please tell me this won’t hurt,” Dolores said, catching her hand as she walked into the studio. “The last time I exercised Ronald Reagan was in the White House.”
Oh no. She wanted to die. Or at least disappear for a very long, Jimmy Hoffa amount of time.
My Review:
This was an enjoyable and lively read full of amusing humor, insightful and witty observations, and frequent family meddling - which was both good and bad for the main protagonists. The storylines were crisply written, entertaining, engaging, and easy to fall into. The Winterville characters were an enticing, fun, and feisty bunch with plenty of sass and snappy banter. I adored the main characters’ connection and their Netflix binges and discussions of porn, Matt Damon’s abs, and The Notebook. I look forward to more Winterville escapades and am itchy with curiosity about Alaska’s mysterious misadventure as a child, which is hopefully being cleared up in the next installment.
February 4, 2022
Gabe and Nicole. What a great couple. The banter, the teasing, the protectiveness she brought out in him. The safety, security, and acceptance that he made her feel. They played so well off of each other.
I enjoyed their story—how they fought against the inevitable, making the fall that much sweeter. I loved this magical town Ms Elks has created and the magic that seems to touch its residents. A highly wonderful read that I recommend!
Another great addition to the series and I am anxiously awaiting the next book and the mystery that it hints at.
5 Snowy wintery stars!
I enjoyed their story—how they fought against the inevitable, making the fall that much sweeter. I loved this magical town Ms Elks has created and the magic that seems to touch its residents. A highly wonderful read that I recommend!
Another great addition to the series and I am anxiously awaiting the next book and the mystery that it hints at.
5 Snowy wintery stars!
April 16, 2022
⭐️⭐️✨️ 2.5 stars.
Honestly it was a bit slow (not in a slow burn way just in a it took a while for me to get into it way). I liked Gabe. I wish the author would have gone more in depth in some things instead of leaving us hanging, or just idk not say anything at all bc some things remained unexplained and it felt like it was just filler.
Also Nicole's family was trash. Idc if they lowkey tried to redeem themselves, they needed to do some serious groveling. And I hate that we didn't get her exposing Luke's betrayal to her family.
Not Matt (a manwhore) telling Gabe to stay away from Nicole bc he's gonna break her heart bc of his past sex life. Like SIR, take several seats down. In no way are we shown that Gabe is a certified man whore. If anything he's a workaholic and a gentleman. He wasn't the one that seduced Nicole.
Honestly it was a bit slow (not in a slow burn way just in a it took a while for me to get into it way). I liked Gabe. I wish the author would have gone more in depth in some things instead of leaving us hanging, or just idk not say anything at all bc some things remained unexplained and it felt like it was just filler.
Also Nicole's family was trash. Idc if they lowkey tried to redeem themselves, they needed to do some serious groveling. And I hate that we didn't get her exposing Luke's betrayal to her family.
Not Matt (a manwhore) telling Gabe to stay away from Nicole bc he's gonna break her heart bc of his past sex life. Like SIR, take several seats down. In no way are we shown that Gabe is a certified man whore. If anything he's a workaholic and a gentleman. He wasn't the one that seduced Nicole.
February 21, 2022
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
‘Leave me breathless’ in the third book in the ‘Winterville’ series and after enjoying the first two books in this sweet, small-town series, I was very excited about this new book that’s about Gabe Winter, one of the male cousins! In the previous two stories, we got to know Gabe as a cheerful, easy going guy, who liked to have fun and also had a bit of a playboy reputation, so I was very curious about his love story.
Nicole Rise is a new character. She’s Gabe’s best friend Matt little sister. After discovering her boyfriend cheating on her, she needs a place to hide and think about her future and small town Winterville is just the place she needs to heal her wounds and to discover her own strength and worth. Here, Nicole will find everything she longed for all her life, people who accept and love her for who she really is, a place to practice the job that she loves (yoga) and a great guy that will do anything for her.
‘Leave me breathless’ was again a sweet, feel good, winter romance story. The story was told from both POV’s. Nicole and Gabe were both great characters. I liked them very much. Nicole was kind, sweet and lively. And there was more to Gabe then you might initially think. He was caring, dependable and thoughtful. After retiring from the snowboard competitions, he’s now creating a ski resort and working very hard to build it so that he can prove to everyone that he be serious too. In this story we also find out why Gabe avoided relationships in the past.
Gabe and Nicole’s relationship evolved from ‘strangers’ to friends to lovers and I really liked the pace of their relationship. Especially because Nicole just got out of another relationship. Throughout the story you could feel the tension growing between them. They really belonged together. Both were looking for someone to belong to, someone who would stay no matter what. Who would fight for their relationship and love.
It was so lovely to see all the other characters from the previous books again. It was like meeting friends again. The cousins and their partners are really wonderful people. I really had fun with the scene where the girls went out for the night. That had me laughing! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series (especially after that teaser at the end of this book!!!!).
'Leave me breathless' can be read as a standalone story but I would recommend that you read the previous two books (or 3 with the prequel) first, because they are great stories too and it will also give you more insight into the family dynamics.
‘Leave me breathless’ in the third book in the ‘Winterville’ series and after enjoying the first two books in this sweet, small-town series, I was very excited about this new book that’s about Gabe Winter, one of the male cousins! In the previous two stories, we got to know Gabe as a cheerful, easy going guy, who liked to have fun and also had a bit of a playboy reputation, so I was very curious about his love story.
Nicole Rise is a new character. She’s Gabe’s best friend Matt little sister. After discovering her boyfriend cheating on her, she needs a place to hide and think about her future and small town Winterville is just the place she needs to heal her wounds and to discover her own strength and worth. Here, Nicole will find everything she longed for all her life, people who accept and love her for who she really is, a place to practice the job that she loves (yoga) and a great guy that will do anything for her.
‘Leave me breathless’ was again a sweet, feel good, winter romance story. The story was told from both POV’s. Nicole and Gabe were both great characters. I liked them very much. Nicole was kind, sweet and lively. And there was more to Gabe then you might initially think. He was caring, dependable and thoughtful. After retiring from the snowboard competitions, he’s now creating a ski resort and working very hard to build it so that he can prove to everyone that he be serious too. In this story we also find out why Gabe avoided relationships in the past.
Gabe and Nicole’s relationship evolved from ‘strangers’ to friends to lovers and I really liked the pace of their relationship. Especially because Nicole just got out of another relationship. Throughout the story you could feel the tension growing between them. They really belonged together. Both were looking for someone to belong to, someone who would stay no matter what. Who would fight for their relationship and love.
It was so lovely to see all the other characters from the previous books again. It was like meeting friends again. The cousins and their partners are really wonderful people. I really had fun with the scene where the girls went out for the night. That had me laughing! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series (especially after that teaser at the end of this book!!!!).
'Leave me breathless' can be read as a standalone story but I would recommend that you read the previous two books (or 3 with the prequel) first, because they are great stories too and it will also give you more insight into the family dynamics.
October 14, 2022
I’m sorry but nope nope nope 😩 the FL was just sooooooo freaking stupid, like, hasn’t anybody taught her to freaking communicate? She was like a mindless animal, following whatever everyone else around her commanded. She kept complaining how she hated how her family could never understand her and her wishes, but she did nothing at all to voice those wishes for her goddamn family to hear. She kept accepting what anybody around her told her to do, never actually fighting back or voicing her own opinions, yet her dad said she’s the fighter among all of his children. Excuse me sir, I think we read different dictionaries regarding the words “strong” and “fighter”. I felt so bad for Gabe all the time, because he tried and tried and tried, but it irritated me to no end that Nicole was just stupidly and mutely following everyone else with her tail tucked in between her legs. Another thing, if my bf cheated on me, I’d castrate him on spot and not let him touch me and pretend we’re together in front of my family to save faces, much less let him speak to me as if I’m a whore for sleeping with another men AFTER he cheated on me and we were broken up. Like, what the hell??? And again, if my brother has a best friend who I’m sleeping with and very much in love with, and my brother was ready to fight him for doing this, then they are not really best friends. You would think that it would make him feel better that finally a good man was taking care of his sister rather than an asshole, no? And if he’s not a good enough guy to get with his sister, why are they even friends to begin with? If you can’t trust your best friend like this, why be friends at all? It was just such an unneccessary, stupid drama, really…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2022
This is the first hook I have read by Carrie Elks and honestly I’m struggling to understand why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now. I will certainly be checking out other books in the Winterville Series as well as her other works as soon as time permits. Leave Me Breathless is book 3 but n the series but I’m prove that Gabe Winter and Nicole Rice’s friends to lovers story can be read and loved as a stand-alone.
Nicole needs a place to hide out and put her life back in order so her brother Matt asks his best friend Gabe to let her stay with him in Winterville. What follows is some miss communications, some witty banter and plenty of scorching chemistry as this couple move from the friend zone onto lovers.
This book ticked my boxes, I love small town romance and after visiting Winterville for the first time I’m excited to play catch up and visit the residents from the previous books. Gabe and Nicole had me smiling and swooning as I joined them on their journey to a HEA.
Nicole needs a place to hide out and put her life back in order so her brother Matt asks his best friend Gabe to let her stay with him in Winterville. What follows is some miss communications, some witty banter and plenty of scorching chemistry as this couple move from the friend zone onto lovers.
This book ticked my boxes, I love small town romance and after visiting Winterville for the first time I’m excited to play catch up and visit the residents from the previous books. Gabe and Nicole had me smiling and swooning as I joined them on their journey to a HEA.
February 8, 2022
Book Three, Winterville West Virginia, Gabe Winter best friend Matt asks him if his little sister Nicole Rice can come to stay with him at Winterville after a broken relationship with her ex Luke Nicholson she sets up a yoga class in the studio while she is there, but he has competition as Kyle Walker takes a shine to her but she is not interested, and the chemistry grows between her and Gabe but he has to tread careful, that is easy said than done.
This book certainly left me breathless, Winterville is a dream and found myself engrossed in the characters, a heart pounding brilliant book once again and hope to read more from the Winter family, as I so love this series, leaving me with a lump in my throat and happy tears at the ending.
This book certainly left me breathless, Winterville is a dream and found myself engrossed in the characters, a heart pounding brilliant book once again and hope to read more from the Winter family, as I so love this series, leaving me with a lump in my throat and happy tears at the ending.
March 26, 2022
This was a good read. Nicole breaks up with her boyfriend. She ends up staying with Gabe. He also happens to be her brothers best friend. They end up falling for each other but things get messy. Thankfully in the end everything works out and they get their happy ending.
June 16, 2024
3☆
This book reminded me why I avoid rom-coms and contemporaries.
And I regret wasting my free day reading this.
The girl spend the whole book hiding her relationship with Gabe and letting her family pressure her to get back with her cheating ex and then when arriving at the hospital she lets the ex call her sweatheart and touch her and sends Gabe away of the hospital just because she still doesn't want her family to know her ex cheated on her.
I mean, yes, I guess maybe the hospital was not the place for making a dama BUT SHE STILL HAS THE DARE TO THINK Gabe didn't fight for her and doesn't deserve her when he thinks she doesn't want a relationship with him WHEN SHE HASN'T EVEN TOLD HIM IF SHE LOVES OR LIKES HIM OR STH
And OBVIOUSLY he has to do the groveling and chasing and apologizing and everyone tells him he fucked up.
Nah, she can eat shit.
Both of them should have explained themselves.
Until that I was liking the book and both main characters.
Also I feel cheated, not only I read this because of a reel in insta of the author which said something like "when he lets her cuddle at night in the sofa because she broke of with her ex but refuses to touch her" and I never saw much cuddling and it was just not what I expected.
Update: I read the post of the author and it said curl up in the sofa not cuddle, so I guess my english failed me there jaja had I understood probably I wouldn't have read this.
This book reminded me why I avoid rom-coms and contemporaries.
And I regret wasting my free day reading this.
The girl spend the whole book hiding her relationship with Gabe and letting her family pressure her to get back with her cheating ex and then when arriving at the hospital she lets the ex call her sweatheart and touch her and sends Gabe away of the hospital just because she still doesn't want her family to know her ex cheated on her.
I mean, yes, I guess maybe the hospital was not the place for making a dama BUT SHE STILL HAS THE DARE TO THINK Gabe didn't fight for her and doesn't deserve her when he thinks she doesn't want a relationship with him WHEN SHE HASN'T EVEN TOLD HIM IF SHE LOVES OR LIKES HIM OR STH
And OBVIOUSLY he has to do the groveling and chasing and apologizing and everyone tells him he fucked up.
Nah, she can eat shit.
Both of them should have explained themselves.
Until that I was liking the book and both main characters.
Also I feel cheated, not only I read this because of a reel in insta of the author which said something like "when he lets her cuddle at night in the sofa because she broke of with her ex but refuses to touch her" and I never saw much cuddling and it was just not what I expected.
Update: I read the post of the author and it said curl up in the sofa not cuddle, so I guess my english failed me there jaja had I understood probably I wouldn't have read this.
February 26, 2022
Nothing different from thousands of books about best friend’s sister I’ve read before. Sometimes that doesn’t matter to me but because the characters were so one-dimensional and it wasn’t very steamy or creative I was disappointed.
This is the second series from this author I found myself disappointed because it seams to me she just want to rewrite same old same old and be lazy about it.
This is the second series from this author I found myself disappointed because it seams to me she just want to rewrite same old same old and be lazy about it.
April 5, 2022
This was a pretty good read . I need watch more reels by whoever convinced me to read this.
Read
July 17, 2022Not into this one at the moment. Might pick it up again in some months or even years haha.
Didn't think the characters were particularly interesting.
Didn't think the characters were particularly interesting.
February 27, 2022
The return to Winterville is always a joy. Carrie Elks has created a magical small town with a great community. This Winterville read follows short term transplant Nicole as she finds herself in the folds of the Winters tribe, and what a great place to be it is. Especially with her guest residence includes local legend and now businessman, Gabe Winters, one of her brothers' closest friends.
Displaced by her cheating ex-boyfriend, Nicole is looking for some time away. Her brother Matt comes through with an offer to spend some time in Winterville, as a guest in Gabe's home. The underlying sentiment that really means he's to protect her, nothing more. But there is an immediate attraction between them, and fate finds its way. Nicole finds something very comforting being in Gabes' space and in Winterville itself. She has always felt like an outsider in her own family and seeing how close the Winters' are leaves her wanting more.
Gabe and Nicole are so flirty and fun. They grow close over the domestic-ness they share in cooking dinner together, enjoying movies, and that sparks Gabe's outright alpha nature that he feels for her. Nicole is a bit sassy (which I like), but her family and her ex have left her feeling less the enough. They become friends and then, gloriously, something more. 5 Stars and Recommendation! *I highly recommend this entire series (as I seem to with every Carrie Elks books).
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Displaced by her cheating ex-boyfriend, Nicole is looking for some time away. Her brother Matt comes through with an offer to spend some time in Winterville, as a guest in Gabe's home. The underlying sentiment that really means he's to protect her, nothing more. But there is an immediate attraction between them, and fate finds its way. Nicole finds something very comforting being in Gabes' space and in Winterville itself. She has always felt like an outsider in her own family and seeing how close the Winters' are leaves her wanting more.
Gabe and Nicole are so flirty and fun. They grow close over the domestic-ness they share in cooking dinner together, enjoying movies, and that sparks Gabe's outright alpha nature that he feels for her. Nicole is a bit sassy (which I like), but her family and her ex have left her feeling less the enough. They become friends and then, gloriously, something more. 5 Stars and Recommendation! *I highly recommend this entire series (as I seem to with every Carrie Elks books).
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
February 24, 2022
I was trying to come up with a review for 2 days now and I'm not sure this will make much sense but here we go:
I've been intrigued by Gabe sonce book 1. He was fascinating even then but now I'm so in love with him. He was such a good human being and he didn't even bat an eye when asked to help Nic. His own personal demons were so big it broke my heart when picturing how it all went down.
Now let's talk about Nicole : from personal experience I could relate to her on many levels with wanting to be just enough to be loved and wanted. Like me it took her a long time to start loving herself for who she was and knowing her worth. She was the perfect woman for him as much as he was the man for her. When they were together all was right in the world and I had the biggest smile on my face.
This series is seriously becoming one of my favorites and I have a feeling next one will be the best one yet because I have a feeling Alaska has so much to share with us and I'm here for it.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog ***
I've been intrigued by Gabe sonce book 1. He was fascinating even then but now I'm so in love with him. He was such a good human being and he didn't even bat an eye when asked to help Nic. His own personal demons were so big it broke my heart when picturing how it all went down.
Now let's talk about Nicole : from personal experience I could relate to her on many levels with wanting to be just enough to be loved and wanted. Like me it took her a long time to start loving herself for who she was and knowing her worth. She was the perfect woman for him as much as he was the man for her. When they were together all was right in the world and I had the biggest smile on my face.
This series is seriously becoming one of my favorites and I have a feeling next one will be the best one yet because I have a feeling Alaska has so much to share with us and I'm here for it.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog ***
February 25, 2022
Carrie Elks est de retour avec un nouveau tome doudou de sa saga Winterville. Nous partons à la découverte d'un nouveau membre de la famille Winter tout en retrouvant les anciens personnages et en prenant de leurs nouvelles. J'adore ce genre de lecture car c'est une romance qui fait du bien et qui nous permet de nous évader pendant quelques heures dans une petite ville où tout se sait mais aussi et surtout, où tout le monde se soutient.
un nouveau tome que j'ai adoré découvrir et qui me fait toujours autant de bien. On ressort de cette lecture détendue et heureuse car on s'attache à tous les personnages que nous avons découverts. Carrie Elks nous propose une romance contemporaine et une saga familiale comme je les adore. Il ne nous reste donc plus qu'à attendre le prochain tome pour se replonger de nouveau dans la douce vie de Winterville.
Avis complet à lire sur : https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
un nouveau tome que j'ai adoré découvrir et qui me fait toujours autant de bien. On ressort de cette lecture détendue et heureuse car on s'attache à tous les personnages que nous avons découverts. Carrie Elks nous propose une romance contemporaine et une saga familiale comme je les adore. Il ne nous reste donc plus qu'à attendre le prochain tome pour se replonger de nouveau dans la douce vie de Winterville.
Avis complet à lire sur : https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
August 15, 2022
Found this book through TikTok, I hate series right now but was told it can be standalone too which it totally was able too. Not sure how I feel about reading the first two now we know how they end up but will probably give them a go!
I love the whole forbidden love build up to smut then realises they love each other same old story and this didn’t disappoint.
Kept us going just enough close moments that built up to the first spicy part 🌶
I read this book pretty quickly, it’s quite page gripping and I loved the girls night it was one of my favourite parts! The girl cousins are so lovely to Nicole and I love the small town feel.
Honestly the only draw back for me which totally spoiled the book was alaskas ending, why change to her narative after none of the book being in it? Why add danger and mystery and try change the genre of the book in the first place. Definitely could have done without this.
I love the whole forbidden love build up to smut then realises they love each other same old story and this didn’t disappoint.
Kept us going just enough close moments that built up to the first spicy part 🌶
I read this book pretty quickly, it’s quite page gripping and I loved the girls night it was one of my favourite parts! The girl cousins are so lovely to Nicole and I love the small town feel.
Honestly the only draw back for me which totally spoiled the book was alaskas ending, why change to her narative after none of the book being in it? Why add danger and mystery and try change the genre of the book in the first place. Definitely could have done without this.
July 5, 2022
Gabe and Nicole’s love story is one for the ages. Gabe’s best friend’s little sister comes to stay with him after a bad situation wasn’t getting better. He tries to resist her, but can’t seem to. These two light up the sheets and met hearts as Gabe becomes the newest of the Winterville cousins to fall in love. You’ll love Gabe and Nicole’s romance. So come down to Winterville and see what these two are all about.
July 29, 2022
Very Hallmark with a little spice, but a fun, easy read.
Although the constant showering was distracting - I think all the characters in this book needed to shower 5x a day… I started laughing every time I read it.
Although the constant showering was distracting - I think all the characters in this book needed to shower 5x a day… I started laughing every time I read it.
December 17, 2023
v sweet on a sunday morning
March 21, 2022
This author seemed to have an agenda to get everyone involved in yoga and coincidentally have great sex lives. It felt so weird to me. Lots of talking about sex, eventually having sex, and yoga as a career and passion/religion. It felt so contrived. Not a fan.
January 20, 2024
Sucks that it only got good at 80%
October 6, 2022
I was looking forward to Gabe's story. He has had that brooding attitude throughout the series with a huge protective streak. It was no surprise that he wanted to help his friend and look after said friends sister while she went through a bad patch.
This book is a slow burn. Probably the slowest of the series to date, but in the end the sparks fly between Gabe and Nicole and they had to prove to each other that they were exactly right for one another.
This book is a slow burn. Probably the slowest of the series to date, but in the end the sparks fly between Gabe and Nicole and they had to prove to each other that they were exactly right for one another.
March 29, 2025
It’s too boring and I am calling it. Dnf at 45 %
Too much kitchen sink realism for me! In the times we are in, I need escapism!
Too much kitchen sink realism for me! In the times we are in, I need escapism!
April 9, 2022
My heart was doing leaps
Although I hadn’t realised this was the third book in the series it worked perfectly as a standalone.
When Gabe Winter gets a call from his bestfriend Matt to give his heartbroken sister a room to stay while she dealt with her cheating ex, Gabe didn’t give it a second thought. That was until a stunning, curvaceous, brunette bumped into him and almost knocked him off his feet. Also know as Nicole Rice, his best friends sister.
This book had me howling laughing, from the team of nosey but loving cousins and siblings to the bucking bronco and sick tainted shoes.
I loved that Nicole loved reading slowburn romances because that’s exactly what this was. This initial attraction was obvious and intense but how could they act on anything with exes, heartbreaks, disapproving families and of course an over protective big brother?
My heart felt for many of the characters, understanding their trials and tribulations but the Winterville community were second to none. Wholesome, heartwarming, protective and fierce. We love a girl squad moment, I love love loved the skiing and snowboarding element and then watching the closed off, easy breezes guy melt with the unsuspecting realisations his new guest was making him have. Well I’m all mushy then.
A family emergency, a egotistical ex and some heartbreak later and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I’m definitely looking forward to book four.
Although I hadn’t realised this was the third book in the series it worked perfectly as a standalone.
When Gabe Winter gets a call from his bestfriend Matt to give his heartbroken sister a room to stay while she dealt with her cheating ex, Gabe didn’t give it a second thought. That was until a stunning, curvaceous, brunette bumped into him and almost knocked him off his feet. Also know as Nicole Rice, his best friends sister.
This book had me howling laughing, from the team of nosey but loving cousins and siblings to the bucking bronco and sick tainted shoes.
I loved that Nicole loved reading slowburn romances because that’s exactly what this was. This initial attraction was obvious and intense but how could they act on anything with exes, heartbreaks, disapproving families and of course an over protective big brother?
My heart felt for many of the characters, understanding their trials and tribulations but the Winterville community were second to none. Wholesome, heartwarming, protective and fierce. We love a girl squad moment, I love love loved the skiing and snowboarding element and then watching the closed off, easy breezes guy melt with the unsuspecting realisations his new guest was making him have. Well I’m all mushy then.
A family emergency, a egotistical ex and some heartbreak later and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I’m definitely looking forward to book four.
February 17, 2022
The title to this book is so fitting because Gabe and Nicole did take my breath away.
This story is just so so good and another incredible edition in the Winterville series,I am loving this town and all the inhabitants that live there.Each book just seems to get better and better and each character more intriguing.
This is a best friends sister/Forbidden trope and Gabe and Nicole are both sweet and Super sexy,their attraction is there from the beginning.
Nicole is escaping from a cheating EX and needs space away from him and her family,she needs time to find who she is and what she wants,so flees to Winterville.,where her brother Matt's snowboarding friend now buisness man has offered her a room to stay with him while she s in town,trying to figure out her life.
Gabe is a bachelor,friendly,and all round fun guy ,and in his snowboarding days had a reputation for being a ladies man breaking hearts wherever he went.Now settled in Winterville were he is building a new ski resort he agrees to take care and protect his friends little sister Nicole while she was in town,trying to mend her bruised heart.
This will be a piece of cake right?..He’s always working never at home so he would rarely see her,so it should be no problem to share his home with a woman.
But Gabe gets the shock of his life when the LITTLE SISTER is not so little but a beautiful,curvy gorgeous woman,not what he expected at all.
There is a spark from the start...but she is forbidden to him and he is Forbidden for her because of Matt...but the sexual tension just keeps building and getting to know one another just makes the attraction stronger.
I Loved Gabe and Nicole and I loved reading their transition from being friends to being lovers,and seeing how they fell in love.Especially for Gabe as he had never been in a relationship before and he was just so SWOONY..The way he cared for her and allowed Nicole to just be herself he really is the perfect guy,I fell in Love with him..lol..He gave her the strength to stand up to her family and the EX boyfriend.But what would happen when Matt finds out that Gabe had broken his promise and instead of protecting Nicole,he didn't protect her from him.
I enjoyed this book so much Carrie Elks has written a romantic and steamy love story between Gabe and Nicole.Her words kept me captivated from the start and every chapter had me hooked to see what would happen between them.
I am already excited for the next installment and Alaska's book...and I am already in Love with North so Yes I am totally addicted to this series.
An Exceptional book that I highly recommend and love.
5 Stars.
This story is just so so good and another incredible edition in the Winterville series,I am loving this town and all the inhabitants that live there.Each book just seems to get better and better and each character more intriguing.
This is a best friends sister/Forbidden trope and Gabe and Nicole are both sweet and Super sexy,their attraction is there from the beginning.
Nicole is escaping from a cheating EX and needs space away from him and her family,she needs time to find who she is and what she wants,so flees to Winterville.,where her brother Matt's snowboarding friend now buisness man has offered her a room to stay with him while she s in town,trying to figure out her life.
Gabe is a bachelor,friendly,and all round fun guy ,and in his snowboarding days had a reputation for being a ladies man breaking hearts wherever he went.Now settled in Winterville were he is building a new ski resort he agrees to take care and protect his friends little sister Nicole while she was in town,trying to mend her bruised heart.
This will be a piece of cake right?..He’s always working never at home so he would rarely see her,so it should be no problem to share his home with a woman.
But Gabe gets the shock of his life when the LITTLE SISTER is not so little but a beautiful,curvy gorgeous woman,not what he expected at all.
There is a spark from the start...but she is forbidden to him and he is Forbidden for her because of Matt...but the sexual tension just keeps building and getting to know one another just makes the attraction stronger.
I Loved Gabe and Nicole and I loved reading their transition from being friends to being lovers,and seeing how they fell in love.Especially for Gabe as he had never been in a relationship before and he was just so SWOONY..The way he cared for her and allowed Nicole to just be herself he really is the perfect guy,I fell in Love with him..lol..He gave her the strength to stand up to her family and the EX boyfriend.But what would happen when Matt finds out that Gabe had broken his promise and instead of protecting Nicole,he didn't protect her from him.
I enjoyed this book so much Carrie Elks has written a romantic and steamy love story between Gabe and Nicole.Her words kept me captivated from the start and every chapter had me hooked to see what would happen between them.
I am already excited for the next installment and Alaska's book...and I am already in Love with North so Yes I am totally addicted to this series.
An Exceptional book that I highly recommend and love.
5 Stars.
February 25, 2022
In this return to Winterville, we see more of Gabe. Former professional snowboarder, he now works with Holly's husband Josh on building a ski resort. When his best friend calls him to ask a favor, he doesn't hesitate to agree. Surely, easy-going Gabe can give his friend's sister a place to stay while she sorts through her recent break-up?
Enter Nicole, odd duck in a family of scientists. She has always felt as though she doesn't really fit in and her parents don't particularly understand her. When she started dating her father's research assistant, she was finally accepted more. It's safe to say that she's more worried about her family's reaction to their break-up than the fact that she caught him cheating. Needless to say, she's happy at being able to stay in her brother's best friend's guest room while she figures out what to do, away from the scene of the crime.
Nicole quickly learns that Winterville is a tight-knit community where everyone know's everyone's business. This is a good thing in that it helps her set up a yoga studio at the Inn; the town's residents are eager to try something new and support her. She's also introduced to Gabe's brother and cousins, who don't hesitate to include her. She's a friend of family, after all.
Gabe is known as the guy you go to for a good time. Not for a serious relationship. Part of this stems from a traumatic event he experienced as a child, but he also just really enjoyed the celebrity aspect of the professional athlete lifestyle. Why commit to someone when you're only in town for a short while? Not believing himself to be relationship material, he's not worried about hosting his friend's younger sister.
That is, until he realizes she is exactly what he never knew he needed. They click, and not just where physical attraction is concerned. They have great banter and share their favorite movies during nights on the couch watching Netflix. Nicole is confused, though, by Gabe's confusing behavior. One moment, it's obvious he's into her, but the next he pushes her away. Little does she know he made his brother a promise to keep her safe, and that promise implied not to pursue her.
Their dance around each other is rather adorable to witness. Of course, as the reader, we know they're both attracted to the other, but they're both convinced the other is not. So when they finally get on the same page, the relief is wonderful. And boy, does their chemistry explode!
Of course, nothing ever comes easy, so they're thrown some curveballs which lead them to think the other is better off without them. But are they?
This is another heartwarming tale by Carrie Elks, and another of her books I devoured!
Enter Nicole, odd duck in a family of scientists. She has always felt as though she doesn't really fit in and her parents don't particularly understand her. When she started dating her father's research assistant, she was finally accepted more. It's safe to say that she's more worried about her family's reaction to their break-up than the fact that she caught him cheating. Needless to say, she's happy at being able to stay in her brother's best friend's guest room while she figures out what to do, away from the scene of the crime.
Nicole quickly learns that Winterville is a tight-knit community where everyone know's everyone's business. This is a good thing in that it helps her set up a yoga studio at the Inn; the town's residents are eager to try something new and support her. She's also introduced to Gabe's brother and cousins, who don't hesitate to include her. She's a friend of family, after all.
Gabe is known as the guy you go to for a good time. Not for a serious relationship. Part of this stems from a traumatic event he experienced as a child, but he also just really enjoyed the celebrity aspect of the professional athlete lifestyle. Why commit to someone when you're only in town for a short while? Not believing himself to be relationship material, he's not worried about hosting his friend's younger sister.
That is, until he realizes she is exactly what he never knew he needed. They click, and not just where physical attraction is concerned. They have great banter and share their favorite movies during nights on the couch watching Netflix. Nicole is confused, though, by Gabe's confusing behavior. One moment, it's obvious he's into her, but the next he pushes her away. Little does she know he made his brother a promise to keep her safe, and that promise implied not to pursue her.
Their dance around each other is rather adorable to witness. Of course, as the reader, we know they're both attracted to the other, but they're both convinced the other is not. So when they finally get on the same page, the relief is wonderful. And boy, does their chemistry explode!
Of course, nothing ever comes easy, so they're thrown some curveballs which lead them to think the other is better off without them. But are they?
This is another heartwarming tale by Carrie Elks, and another of her books I devoured!
February 26, 2022
I love best friend's little sister stories and this is a good one! Gabe is the long-time best friend of Nicole's brother, Matt. Nicole has had a rough go of it lately, feeling like she's not enough the way she is in her family and finding out her boyfriend cheated on her, and needs to get away. Matt arranges for Nicole to go and stay with Gabe to clear her head for awhile.
I loved how emotion was such a part of the story from the beginning. Nicole's emotions about her breakup and her place in her family are really felt early on in the story. My heart broke for her as she navigated finding her way in life and getting her feet under herself again.
Gabe was beautiful - thoughtful, kind, and sweet - and of course trying to steer clear of his attraction to Nicole because of her relationship to his best friend. These two danced around each other while supporting each other. I loved how they came together emotionally before they eventually caved to the physical.
In the end events happen that force the inevitable - Nicole's confrontation with her family and past boyfriend and Gabe and Nicole's relationship coming to light. This was the point in the story where there were just a couple of events that made me take a star from my review. First, it took Nicole a frustratingly long time tell her parents about what happened with Luke. Secondly, Matt was too hard on Gabe when he found out what was happening - who says this about their best friend "I'm not saying he's not a good guy, or a fun guy, but he's not that deep."? I don't think I'd want a best friend that said that about me! But he did redeem himself a bit in the end so that's just one blip from him I didn't like.
After the drama, I really liked how Kyle straight talked Gabe into realizing how he needed to fight for Nicole. These 2 were a great read! If you love a lot of emotional connection from your MCs this book is a good one!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I look to reading more books from Carrie Elks! This was my 3rd - I enjoyed seeing the other characters from this series in this book!
I loved how emotion was such a part of the story from the beginning. Nicole's emotions about her breakup and her place in her family are really felt early on in the story. My heart broke for her as she navigated finding her way in life and getting her feet under herself again.
Gabe was beautiful - thoughtful, kind, and sweet - and of course trying to steer clear of his attraction to Nicole because of her relationship to his best friend. These two danced around each other while supporting each other. I loved how they came together emotionally before they eventually caved to the physical.
In the end events happen that force the inevitable - Nicole's confrontation with her family and past boyfriend and Gabe and Nicole's relationship coming to light. This was the point in the story where there were just a couple of events that made me take a star from my review. First, it took Nicole a frustratingly long time tell her parents about what happened with Luke. Secondly, Matt was too hard on Gabe when he found out what was happening - who says this about their best friend "I'm not saying he's not a good guy, or a fun guy, but he's not that deep."? I don't think I'd want a best friend that said that about me! But he did redeem himself a bit in the end so that's just one blip from him I didn't like.
After the drama, I really liked how Kyle straight talked Gabe into realizing how he needed to fight for Nicole. These 2 were a great read! If you love a lot of emotional connection from your MCs this book is a good one!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I look to reading more books from Carrie Elks! This was my 3rd - I enjoyed seeing the other characters from this series in this book!
February 23, 2022
In ‘Leave Me Breathless’ we meet Gabe Winter. As an ex professional snowboarder, he is working hard to build a winter sports resort in Winterville. Gabe doesn’t have a lot of free time, and doesn’t waste his time with romance. But when his best friend asks for a favor, looking for place where his younger sister can hide from her ex, he can’t say no. From the moment Gabe and Nicole meet there’s this instant connection between the two of them. Gabe feels very protective of Nicole, and he would do anything to make her feel at home. He is definitely one of the good guys.
Nicole is horrified after finding her ex with another girl. And all she wants is to hide away for a while and make a life for herself without her ex and the disapproving looks of her parents. Soon staying with Gabe starts to feel more and more like home. She loves spending time with Gabe, and she loves his protectiveness. And the attraction between them grows more and more every day.
I know I say it every time I read a book in this series.. but this book was amazing and is totally my new favorite in the series. I loved everything about this book. The two main characters Gabe and Nicole are just so fun to get to know. And they honestly felt so real to me. The romance between them is perfectly swoon worthy. It gave me all the feels and I couldn’t put this book down.
As in the previous book in this series, this book can be read as a standalone. But I definitely loved having read this series in order so far. It’s so much fun reading little bits about the previous main characters. And the setting in Winterville is definitely one of my favorite settings. It makes me miss those snow filled Swiss mountains I grew up with so much.
‘Leave Me Breathless’ was a wonderful romance novel I absolutely adored.
Nicole is horrified after finding her ex with another girl. And all she wants is to hide away for a while and make a life for herself without her ex and the disapproving looks of her parents. Soon staying with Gabe starts to feel more and more like home. She loves spending time with Gabe, and she loves his protectiveness. And the attraction between them grows more and more every day.
I know I say it every time I read a book in this series.. but this book was amazing and is totally my new favorite in the series. I loved everything about this book. The two main characters Gabe and Nicole are just so fun to get to know. And they honestly felt so real to me. The romance between them is perfectly swoon worthy. It gave me all the feels and I couldn’t put this book down.
As in the previous book in this series, this book can be read as a standalone. But I definitely loved having read this series in order so far. It’s so much fun reading little bits about the previous main characters. And the setting in Winterville is definitely one of my favorite settings. It makes me miss those snow filled Swiss mountains I grew up with so much.
‘Leave Me Breathless’ was a wonderful romance novel I absolutely adored.
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